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“WILL Endeavour To Follow In the Footsteps Of Manohar Parikkar”: CM Sawant

PRAMOD Sawant has succeeded Manohar Parikkar as Goa Chief Minister. He was Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly and close to Parikkar. Sudin Dhavalikar and Vijai Sardesai are appointed Deputy Chief Ministers. Newly appointed Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, a homeopath physician turned politician, had met family members of his deceased predecessor Manohar Parrikar before assuming charge of office. He was administered oath by Governor Mridula Sinha post 2 AM IST .Sawant visited the family members of Parrikar at their private residence at Dona Paula around 12 noon before heading to the CM’s Office at state Secretariat, Porvorim.Speaking to reporters, the new chief minister said his priority would be to reach out to every person, and carry forward the “glorious legacy” of good governance left behind by Parrikar. Sawant, a BJP MLA, was sworn in as new Chief Minister just before 2 am Tuesday, hours after cremation of Parrikar, as the BJP moved swiftly to snuff out Congress’ attempts to wrest power in Goa.Sawant, a close associate Parrikar has resigned as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly when he was picked to be the successor to Parrikar.”Manohar Parrikar is a father-like figure for me. He was my inspiration…Everything. I am here only because of him…I became MLA, then Speaker, and now CM only because of Parrikar,” Sawant told reporters after meeting kin of the late chief minister. When asked to list his priorities, Sawant said, “As a chief minister, my aim would be to reach out to every person and complete his works”.Sawant also appealed that he not be greeted with bouquets for being the new CM, as the state is in morning.”I have taken charge with great humility and gratitude towards my idol and mentor Manohar bhai (Parrikar). I seek your blessings and support to carry forward the glorious legacy of commitment towards good governance,” he said. In the wake of the Congress’ repeated attempts to wrest power claiming that it is the largest party in the assembly, the BJP leadership ensured that the new chief minister took office as early as possible to prevent defection. Sawant was sworn in by Governor Mridula Sinha at Raj Bhavan at 1.50 am. Sinha also administered the oath of office to 11 other ministers, including those from BJP’s allies MGP and the GFP.Parrikar died at his private residence on Sunday evening due to pancreatic cancer. He was cremated with full state and military honours Monday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Raj Nath Singh, BJP  President  Amit Shah ,Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and several other Union Ministers had rushed to Goa to pay homage  to Manohar Parikkar, who also was India’s Defence Minister  for close to 3 years(pic courtesy : The Hindu).

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